Math Problem Statement
A polynomial function P and its graph are given. P(x) = 3x4 + x3 − 9x2 − 9x − 2
The x y-coordinate plane is given. The curve enters the window in the second quadrant, goes down and right becoming less steep, changes direction at the point (−1, 0), goes up and right becoming more steep, passes through the approximate point (−0.8, 0.2), goes up and right becoming less steep, changes direction at the approximate point (−0.6, 0.3), goes down and right becoming more steep, crosses the x-axis at approximately x = −0.3, crosses the y-axis at y = −2, passes through the approximate point (0.6, −10.5), goes down and right becoming less steep, changes direction at the approximate point (1.3, −18.2), goes up and right becoming more steep, crosses the x-axis at x = 2, and exits the window in the first quadrant. (a) List all possible rational zeros of P given by the Rational Zeros Theorem. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list.) x =
Correct: Your answer is correct. Nicely done! (b) From the graph, determine which of the possible rational zeros actually turn out to be zeros. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list. Enter all answers using the appropriate multiplicities.) x =
Incorrect: Your answer is incorrect.
Solution
Let's solve the problem step by step.
Part (a) - List all possible rational zeros of given by the Rational Zeros Theorem.
The Rational Zeros Theorem states that any rational zero of a polynomial is of the form , where:
- is a factor of the constant term (in this case, the constant term is ).
- is a factor of the leading coefficient (in this case, the leading coefficient is ).
Step 1: Factors of the constant term () The factors of are .
Step 2: Factors of the leading coefficient () The factors of are .
Step 3: List all possible rational zeros Now, we combine all the factors of and to form possible rational zeros .
The possible rational zeros are:
- .
So, the possible rational zeros of the polynomial are:
Part (b) - From the graph, determine which of the possible rational zeros are actually zeros.
Let's analyze the graph based on the information provided:
- The curve changes direction at , which means is a zero.
- The curve crosses the x-axis again at , which means is another zero.
From the given graph, the zeros appear to be and .
So, the rational zeros that actually turn out to be zeros are:
Let me know if you'd like further clarification or if you'd like to dive into the next steps! Here are some related questions:
- How do you use synthetic division to test a potential zero?
- How can you find the multiplicity of a root from the graph?
- What is the significance of the graph changing direction at a zero?
- How can you factor a polynomial completely once you know some zeros?
- What does the end behavior of a polynomial function tell you about its degree?
Tip: When you're working with rational zeros, always test the potential zeros systematically by plugging them into the polynomial or using synthetic division!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Polynomial Functions
Rational Zeros Theorem
Graph Analysis
Formulas
Rational Zeros Theorem: Rational zeros are of the form p/q, where p is a factor of the constant term and q is a factor of the leading coefficient.
Theorems
Rational Zeros Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-11
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